BCCE

BCCE
TM
Basic Communication
Certificate in English
Official Past Examination

Form B
Transcript
Material developed by Hellenic American University,

Office for Language Assessment.
FREE OF CHARGE
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Office for Language Assessment
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TRANSCRIPT TRANSCRIPT TRANSCRIPT
LISTENING TEST
Narrator: The Basic Communication Certificate in English Examination. Copyright Hellenic American
University. Form B.
The Listening section of the test, questions one through thirty, is divided into four parts. Instructions
and examples are provided at the beginning of each part. All questions are worth one point.
LISTENING – PART 1
In this part of the listening section, questions one through ten, you will hear ten short conversations. After
each conversation, you will hear a question that is also written in your test booklet. You must choose the
correct response from the three picture choices, A, B, or C, in your test booklet, and darken the appropriate
circle on your answer sheet. You will hear each conversation and question only once.
Here is an example. Narrator: Number 2. The following conversation

Narrator: The following is a conversation takes place at a post office.
between two friends. Man: I’d like to send this package to my
Woman: Do you think it’s gonna rain? I forgot to grandmother in Canada. Her birthday’s
bring my umbrella. in three days and I’d really like it to get
Man: No, don’t worry about it. I checked the there by then. So what’s the best way to
weather forecast and it said it’s just send it?
going to be cloudy for the rest of the Woman: Then, I’d suggest you use our express
day. parcel service. It takes only two days.
Woman: I hope tomorrow will be a bit better. I’m Man: Express ... that sounds expensive. Are
getting tired of this weather. there any other options?
Man: Actually, it’s supposed to be nice Woman: Well, our normal international parcel
tomorrow. Lots of sunshine. service takes between three and five
Narrator: What is the weather like now? business days. It’s cheaper than express,
but we can’t guarantee it’ll get there on
Narrator: The correct answer is B. Do you have time.
any questions?
Narrator: Question 2. What does the man
want to send?
Narrator: Now we will start Part 1 of the listening
test.
Number 3. The following is a
Narrator:
Narrator: Number 1. The following is a conversation between two friends.
conversation between two friends.
M: Guess what? I won the pet photography
Woman: These apples you bought are really contest!
fresh and delicious – like they were just
picked on the farm! Where did you get W: You won! That’s great! Did you send in
them, the farmers market? the picture of the cat climbing the tree?
Man: No, I got them at the supermarket. But M: Actually no, I was between that one and
you’re right, they taste just as good as the one of the cat chasing the dog, but
the ones from the farmers’ market. at the last minute I sent in one of a cat
sleeping in a tree — and it’s a good thing
Woman: Were they expensive? I did!
Man: About the same as at the market. W: Well, congratulations!
Narrator: Question 1. Where did he buy the Question 3. Which picture won the
Narrator:
apples? contest?
© Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B 3


Narrator: several different ones. If you follow me,
conversation between two coworkers. I’ll be happy to show you what we have.
W: Which train should we catch? There’s Question 6. Which book will the man
Narrator:
one that leaves at seven forty-five that buy?
gets in at nine.
M: That’s a little early, don’t you think? Number 7. The following is a
Narrator:
What’s the one after that? conversation between two coworkers.
W: Eight-thirty. It gets in at ten o’clock M: Have you decided where to hold the
exactly. But I guess that still gives us conference?
plenty of time. Yeah, okay, let’s do that. W: Not yet, but we’re down to three
M: Good. Then let’s just meet at the station, choices: Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and Kansas
okay? City. At the moment we’re leaning
Question 4. What time will the
Narrator: towards Pittsburgh, because it’s the
speakers’ train leave? cheapest, but the others have their
advantages.
Narrator: M: Kansas City might be a better location
conversation between two colleagues. – it’s more central. And Atlanta might
Woman: We’re going to need a larger room. I have better weather at that time of year.
don’t think this room’s going to fit W: That’s true, but at the moment we’re
everybody. focused on keeping costs down.
Man: Are you sure? The hotel said this room Question 7. Which city does the
Narrator:
fits about two hundred people, and we’re woman prefer?
only expecting around a hundred and
fifty. Number 8. The following is a
Narrator:
Woman: That number’s gone up. People are conversation between two students.
coming in from Boston, Chicago, Miami Woman: I missed you at the bus stop this
– I think we may have as many as two morning. I thought you weren’t coming
fifty. to school today.
Man: Oh, I didn’t know that. Then yes, we’re Man: I was running late so I thought I could
definitely going to need a larger room. get a lift from my brother, but he
Question 5. How many people is the
Narrator: couldn’t do it. So I ended up riding my
woman expecting? bike.
Woman: Wow! That’s such a long way. You must
Narrator: be tired!
conversation between a bookstore clerk Man: Actually, it wasn’t so bad. I’m thinking I
and a customer: might do that every day
M: Hi, I’m looking for a book about local Question 8. How does the man
Narrator:
flowers. usually get to school?
W: You mean how to grow them?
M: No, no, I mean how to identify them. Number 9. The following is a
Narrator:
You see, I’m going camping next conversation between two friends.
weekend, and I’d like to have a book, Man: What’s wrong Amy? You look worried.
or a guide or something to help me Woman: Well, I’ve got to make a presentation
identify the local plants and flowers. next month and I’m really stressed.
W: Ah, you need a field guide. We have Every time I have to present something
4 © Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B

I get so nervous I can’t even breathe. It’s What exactly is jojoba?

worse than going to the dentist. W: It’s a plant that grows in the desert. The
Man: Why not try taking a yoga class? That seeds are used in a lot of hair products.
might help you relax in front of an M: Really? I thought it was some kind of
audience. chemical.
Woman: I’ll think about it. Thanks for the advice. W: That’s the whole point. It’s a
Question 9. What is the woman not
Narrator: natural product. A lot of salons are
looking forward to doing? recommending jojoba. It works better
than chemicals.
Number 10. The following conversation
Narrator: Question 10. What are the speakers
Narrator:
is between a customer and a discussing?
salesperson.
M: This has something called jojoba in it. Narrator: End of Part One.
In this part of the listening section, questions eleven through nineteen, you will hear nine short messages or
announcements. After each message or announcement, you will hear a question that is also written in your
test booklet. You must choose the correct answer from the three choices, A, B or C, in your test booklet and
darken the appropriate circle on your answer sheet. You will hear each message or announcement only once.
Here is an example. W: Welcome to Global Cinemas. Today’s

The following is a voicemail message. films and show times: in Theater
Woman: Mark, it’s Julie. Just called to tell you One we’re showing The Day Beyond.
that the meeting has been changed and Running time is one hour and fifty
it won’t be on Wednesday. I know you’re minutes, show times are four-twenty,
busy all day Thursday, so it will be on six-forty, and nine p.m. In Theater Two
Friday. I’d prefer the morning if you can we’re showing Night Mystery: running
make it. Please call me to arrange a time. time two hours and five minutes, show
times are four-twenty and six fifty-five
Narrator: When will the meeting be? p.m.– two shows only. Finally, we have
Narrator: The correct answer is C. Do you have any The Athlete in Theater Three, running
questions? time one hour and forty minutes, show
times are four, six, and eight p.m.
Narrator: Now, get ready to listen to the messages
or announcements. Question 12. Which film is shown
Narrator:
only twice per day?
Narrator: Number 11. The following is a
voicemail message. Narrator: Number 13. The following is a
Woman: Hi Dave, its Michelle. I know you’re busy voicemail message.
studying for the history test tomorrow, Woman: Hello, Mr. Peters. This is Phyllis from
but could you give me a call? It’s Mystic Travel. I’m calling about your
important. I need to know when the Budapest trip. I wanted to let you know
math exam is, and I left my schedule in that the airline dropped the price of your
my mom’s car. Thanks a lot. ticket by fifty dollars – there’s a lot of
Narrator: Question 11. Who is calling Dave? competition between airlines right now,
and they’re all cutting fares. In fact, I’d
Narrator: Number 12. The following is a recorded suggest waiting another day before
message.
actually buying the ticket, because We’ll see you at the grand opening of
fares might continue to go down. I just Tim’s Electronics Warehouse, starting
wanted to give you the good news –I’ll at noon Saturday, May 2nd at the
be in touch. Bye. Cumberland Mall!
Narrator: Question 13. What does the caller Narrator: Question 16. What will happen at
tell Mr. Peters? 2pm?
Narrator: Number 14. The following is a Narrator: Number 17. The following is a
voicemail message. voicemail message.
W: Hi mom, it’s me, Jenny. I’m just calling Woman: Hi Charlie, it’s me Rose. I know this
to let you know that I picked up your is the third time I’m calling you, but I
dress from the cleaner’s. That grape really need to know if you’re attending
juice stain came right out – it looks next week’s conference in Chicago. I
as good as new! The total was fifteen have to make the hotel reservations
dollars. I put the dress and your change so please give me a call as soon as
on your bed. I guess that’s it ... Um, oh possible. Thank you.
yeah, I’m planning to go over to Sarah’s Narrator: Question 17. What does Rose want
house to study this afternoon. I’ll be to know about Charlie?
home about six this evening. I’ll see you
then. I hope you’re having a good day. Narrator: Number 18. The following is a radio
Bye! advertisement.
Narrator: Question 14. What is Jenny’s Man: The Morgantown Book store is having
message mainly about? its yearly used book sale from Thursday
to Saturday, September first through
Narrator: Number 15. The following is an the third, from ten AM to four PM at our
announcement in a classroom. store. The money will be given to the
W: Today you’re going to start researching Save the Dolphins Organization. To help,
local news stories in different bring your used books to our bookstore
newspapers. You’ll each choose an located on Pearl Street. For more
article that you find interesting. Then, information call three oh four, two nine
you’ll write a short paragraph describing two, two four, six four...
what you read and why you found it Narrator: Question 18. What is being
interesting. The best articles will be put advertised?
on the class webpage.
Narrator: Question 15. What does the woman Narrator: Number 19. The following
want the students to do? announcement is heard in a restaurant.
M: Attention dinners. Our lunch special
Narrator: Number 16. The following is a radio today is a Southern-style crispy fried
advertisement. chicken served with mashed potatoes
M: Come to the Grand Opening of Tim’s and gravy, and our famous homemade
Electronics Warehouse on Saturday, biscuits. This comes with your choice
May 2nd, at the Cumberland Mall. Come of soup or salad. Today’s soup is a
attend a fabulous party with live music vegetable tomato cream soup.
and free food. We’re giving away dozens Narrator: Question 19. What is true about the
of prizes, including a 50-inch flatscreen lunch special?
TV. Collect your free ticket at the door.
The prize drawing takes place at 2pm End of Part Two.
Narrator:
and winners need to be present to win.

In this part of the listening section, questions twenty through twenty-five, you will hear an interview in
three parts. After each part, you will hear two questions that are also written in your test booklet. You must
choose the correct answer from the three choices, A, B, or C in your test booklet, and darken the appropriate
circle on your answer sheet. You will hear each part only once.
You are going to hear an interview between a radio W: Well, remember, the interview’s a
talk show host and a guest. Now listen to the two-way thing – the school’s trying to
beginning of the interview followed by an example impress you, as much as you’re trying to
question. impress them. The interviewer’s trying
M: Welcome to Today’s Teen Issues, where to get a feel for your personality, your
we focus on the issues that’re most interests, that kinda thing … trying to
important to today’s teens. I’m your figure out whether you’re a good match.
host, Adam Wyman. With us in the I mean, the last thing any school wants
studio today is Jean Beckoff, an expert is to have students who aren’t happy
on the college admissions process. there.
Welcome to the program Jean. M: Uh huh, that makes sense, ‘cause
W: Thanks, Adam, it’s good to be here. unhappy students generally don’t do
M: So Jean, let’s get straight into it. When I well,
talk to teens about college admissions, which makes the school look bad.
they tell me the number-one thing they W: Exactly. It’s all about matching what the
worry about is the college interview. student wants with what the school
Could you give our listeners some has to offer.
advice? Narrator: Question 20. What does the woman
W: I’d be happy to. say college interviewers look for?
Narrator: What will the woman probably talk Narrator: Question 21. What do the speakers
about next? say schools want to avoid?
Narrator: The correct answer is A. Do you have any
questions? M: Okay, um, so, can students prepare for
interviews?
Narrator:
Now, get ready to listen to the rest of W: They can – and they should. But they
the interview. need to be careful that they come
W: You’ve gotta understand, the interview’s across naturally. I mean, be prepared, but
designed to help both you and the don’t sound like you’ve been rehearsing
interviewer find out whether the school interview questions.
you’re applying to is a good match. The M: Uh huh. You just wanna be yourself ...
interviewer isn’t trying to trick you, or W: Yeah, that’s very important.
make you feel foolish, or anything like
that. M: So, um … what’re some typical
questions?
M: See, I always assumed the idea was to
see how well you handle pressure ... W: Well, you can count on getting “Tell me
about yourself.” This seems like a really
W: No, no, nothing like that. That’s what easy question, but actually, it’s kinda
happens in a job interview; a college hard.
interview’s very different.
M: Okay, so, what, you say things that the
M: So, what are they … what are the interviewer wants to hear, like “I’m a
interviewers looking for? friendly person,” or “I’m a great student”?

W: No, in fact, that’s exactly what you school, that you’ve thought about what
don’t wanna say. I mean, you want the they have to offer, and there’s something
interviewer to know you’re friendly, you like. Tell them what this something
and a good student, but these’re the is.
kind of things that everyone says. You M: Like, you mean, if they have a good
need to say something that makes you program in what you want to major in …
memorable, something that makes you W: Yeah, exactly, that kinda thing. The
stick out from the other applicants. important thing is, be specific. Don’t
This is your chance to really show your say something general like “I wanna
personality. Do you have an unusual get a good education.” Of course you do.
talent? Have you been anywhere But why this particular school? Give a
interesting? What’re your passions? reason. Make sure you’re able to mention
Narrator: Question 22. According to the at least one thing about the school that
woman what is important for made you interested in it, preferably
students to do? something about its academics – rather
Narrator: Question 23. What does the woman than that it’s cheap, or it’s close to
feel students should avoid doing? where you live, or whatever.
M: Well I think we’re about out of time
M: Right. Okay, so … any other questions now. I’d like to thank you for being on
students can expect? the show.
W: Hmm ... Well, one you’re almost W: It was my pleasure.
guaranteed to get is, “Why are you Narrator: Question 24. According to the woman,
interested in this school?” what should students be prepared to
M: Uh huh, and so, what should people discuss?
say? Narrator: Question 25. What does the woman
W: Well, this is your chance to show that advise students to do?
you’ve done your homework about the
Narrator: End of Part Three.
In this part of the listening section, questions twenty-six through thirty, you will hear a short talk. After the
talk, you will hear five questions that are also written in your test booklet. Answer the questions by choosing
A, B, or C based on the information in the talk and darken the appropriate circle on your answer sheet. You
may take notes as you listen. You will hear the talk twice.
You are going to hear a guided tour around a of fossils from around the globe, from
dinosaur exhibition. Bejing to Cape Town.
Now, listen to the beginning of the tour followed Narrator: Where is the exhibition?
by an example question. Narrator: The correct answer is A. Do you have
Woman: Welcome to the first permanent exhibit any questions?
of dinosaur fossils available for public
viewing in Sydney. These bones – we Narrator: Now get ready to listen to the rest of
call them “fossils” – are really copies of the talk.
originals from the New York Museum
of Natural History, which has one of the Woman: On the right is a skull from a dinosaur
best and largest collections of dinosaur known as Triceratops. The name
fossils in the world. We have copies Triceratops means “three-horned face.”

You can easily see why. There are three upright, perhaps so that it could get to
large horns on the head, as well as other the leaves on trees.
bones around the neck, which were used All right, now, as we continue along,
for protection. Now, Triceratops was a you’ll see inside the glass case that we
herbivore, in other words, a plant eater, have a one-hundred-million-year-old
and we know that by the bird-like beak dinosaur egg from a dinosaur called
it has at the front of its mouth, which Hypselosaurus. An adult Hypselosaurus
was used for tearing off leaves and was about thirteen meters long. They
branches, and by its flat teeth, which are were also herbivores. Now, this egg
more suitable for grinding plant material is real, it’s not a copy; it was found in
than chewing meat. France and is one of the largest and
Moving, on, next to Triceratops we best-preserved dinosaur eggs in the
have a full-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex or world. Now, next to the egg, you’ll see a
T.Rex. The first thing you notice about model, an artist’s idea, of what it might
T. Rex is its size. The typical adult was look like when a young Hypselosaurus
about seven meters tall and sixteen hatched and came out of the egg.
meters long. The name Tyrannosaurus
Rex means, of course, “king of the Narrator: Now listen to the talk again.
lizards,” but you might be surprised to
learn that its closest relatives today are Woman: On the right is a skull from a dinosaur
not lizards. In fact, the T. Rex is more known as Triceratops. The name
closely related to modern birds. Let me Triceratops means “three-horned face.”
show you what I mean. Look at this You can easily see why. There are three
back leg. It’s almost four meters long, large horns on the head, as well as other
but see.. the bones of the feet and the bones around the neck, which were used
leg? ... You can see the connection with for protection. Now, Triceratops was a
birds. Notice the three-toed foot, and herbivore, in other words, a plant eater,
how the shape of the leg is very much and we know that by the bird-like beak
like that of a modern bird you’d see it has at the front of its mouth, which
today. Later we’ll see a film about how was used for tearing off leaves and
T. Rex hunted other dinosaurs and used branches, and by its flat teeth, which are
its sharp teeth. more suitable for grinding plant material
than chewing meat.
Okay, next up, our full skeleton of
Stegosaurus. Stegosaurus is one of the Moving, on, next to Triceratops we
more well-known dinosaurs because have a full-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex or
of the distinctive double row of plates T.Rex. The first thing you notice about
on its back. For a long time, people T. Rex is its size. The typical adult was
assumed the plates were for protection, about seven meters tall and sixteen
but now scientists believe they were meters long. The name Tyrannosaurus
used as a way for Stegosaurus to Rex means, of course, “king of the
manage its body temperature – as a lizards,” but you might be surprised to
way to keep from getting too hot or too learn that its closest relatives today are
cold. Stegosaurus was also a herbivore, not lizards. In fact, the T. Rex is more
and as you can see from the ribs, it had closely related to modern birds. Let me
a very large stomach. It protected itself show you what I mean. Look at this
with its long spike-covered tail that back leg. It’s almost four meters long,
you see here. Notice its large back legs; but see.. the bones of the feet and the
it’s likely that Stegosaurus could stand leg? ... You can see the connection with
birds. Notice the three-toed foot, and

how the shape of the leg is very much was about thirteen meters long. They
like that of a modern bird you’d see were also herbivores. Now, this egg
today. Later we’ll see a film about how is real, it’s not a copy; it was found in
T. Rex hunted other dinosaurs and used France and is one of the largest and
its sharp teeth. best-preserved dinosaur eggs in the
Okay, next up, our full skeleton of world. Now, next to the egg, you’ll see a
Stegosaurus. Stegosaurus is one of the model, an artist’s idea, of what it might
more well-known dinosaurs because look like when a young Hypselosaurus
of the distinctive double row of plates hatched and came out of the egg.
on its back. For a long time, people
assumed the plates were for protection, Narrator: Now get ready to answer the questions.
but now scientists believe they were Narrator: Question 26. What is learned about
used as a way for Stegosaurus to the first dinosaur mentioned?
manage its body temperature – as a
way to keep from getting too hot or too Narrator: Question 27. What does the speaker
cold. Stegosaurus was also a herbivore, say is surprising about T. Rex?
and as you can see from the ribs, it had Narrator: Question 28. What does the speaker
a very large stomach. It protected itself describe about the Stegosaurus?
with its long spike-covered tail that Narrator: Question 29. What is true about the
you see here. Notice its large back legs; egg?
it’s likely that Stegosaurus could stand Narrator: Question 30. What makes T-Rex
upright, perhaps so that it could get to different from the other dinosaurs
the leaves on trees. mentioned?
All right, now, as we continue along,
you’ll see inside the glass case that we End of Part Four.
Narrator:
have a one-hundred-million-year-old
End of the Listening Test.
dinosaur egg from a dinosaur called
Hypselosaurus. An adult Hypselosaurus

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AMERICAN UNIVERSITY HELLENIC AMERICAN UNIVERSITY HELLENIC AMERICAN UNIVERSITY HELLENIC AMERICAN
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Official Past Examination

Material developed by Hellenic American University,

Here is an example. Narrator: Number 2. The following conversation

© Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B 3

Number 4. The following is a

4 © Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B

I get so nervous I can’t even breathe. It’s What exactly is jojoba?

Here is an example. W: Welcome to Global Cinemas. Today’s

6 © Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B

© Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B 7

8 © Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B

© Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B 9

10 © Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B

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BCCE

Official Past Examination

Material developed by Hellenic American University,

Here is an example. Narrator: Number 2. The following conversation

© Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B 3

Number 4. The following is a

4 © Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B

I get so nervous I can’t even breathe. It’s What exactly is jojoba?

Here is an example. W: Welcome to Global Cinemas. Today’s

6 © Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B

© Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B 7

8 © Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B

© Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B 9

10 © Hellenic American University • Official Past Examination • Form B

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Here is an example. Narrator: Number 2. The following conversation

Here is an example. W: Welcome to Global Cinemas. Today’s